Should I Buy Anti-Spyware or Anti-Virus Software? - Comments Page 6

I would like to try EZ Antivirus and Microsoft's FREE Windows AntiSpyware, but am not sure my computer is robust enough. I have Windows 2000 Professional and 196 MB RAM. I am currently using Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 and am not completely happy with its performance. Thank you!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds more than adequate. Give it a try!

My computer arrived with Norton Security Suite installed.
I would love to dump it, but understand that it doesn't uninstall cleanly. I shall now ponder on whether or not to actually use their uninstall program.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would TRY the uninstall... I tried to "dig it out" once and made things worse.

Well I'm using Adware and Spybot now. But be reminded. This don't take out viruses..

EDITOR'S NOTE: No, they're not designed for that. You still need a good anti-virus program.

For antispyware I use Hitman Pro, a freeware program which sequentially combines AdAware, Spybot Search and Destroy, Spyware Blaster, Webroot Spy Sweeper, and CW Shredder. And it updates the programs every time you use it. It takes a while for the programs to run so it might be something you run before you go to bed at night. I've never had a problem with it and I've been using it for over 2 years.

Avast! free antivirus software is absolutely wonderful. Basically does everything for itself, automatically downloading new virus definitions and also new updated versions of the program, and all pretty much "under the radar" (without interrupting what you're doing).

We also use a free program called Cleanup!, which we run a couple times a week to clean out things like temp internet files, unused registry entries, and other unneccesary, unwanted stuff. (You set the level of cleaning.) The only downside I can find to Cleanup! is that you can't tell it a specific file *not* to clean out. Our son uses Rollercoaster Tycoon Gold, and for some reason Cleanup! knocks out a couple of its .dat files every time we run it, and then we have to reinstall RCT to get it to work again, which means he loses all the parks he's created.

Hi Bob: Just found your site...and love it! Re: AVG FREE--it won't be after first of year. I'm researching now to find free but best anti-malware for my sweet machine. 2) I would NEVER any entity to SCAN my computer! That's just giving carte blanch to any hacker. I like your suggestions on free ware. I've found holes in AVG, but for free I'd rate it a 85.
This is just for you, you don't have to post.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Every time AVG releases a new version, the rumor starts that "AVG is free no more!" Fear not, the NEW version will be free. The OLD version will be unsupported and you should upgrade.

Hi everyone! I have read the archieve and all comments here and try a lot of program for security suite. With me panda internet security is good even when it is not free for all, you need a lisence to update but due to their truprevent technology it can detect and elimate a lot of virus even with 3 month out of date. It can elimate both virus, spyware, adware... And for aditional choice I use tenebril ghostsurf platinum for proxy program to hide my IP, block unwanted cookies and ad, and it has spy catcher, a good antispyware too. Spyware doctor of PCtools is great too because of it's real time shield is good defend again malicious software change your setting or try to install. I also use system guard in system mechanic suite to protect my startup, home page and search page. That four software protect me good and i haven't got any problem for a long time. Sometime I run ad-aware SE to scan for some adware but never found any. I have try other antivirus like AVG, Bitdefender, Avast, CA but all have their problem. AVG scan too slow. Bitdefender always expire after update even with the free edition or have problem with firewall when I start-up. CA not good at detect other malware than virus and avast make my torrent software really slow with it's P2P shield is the only one I like at it and bitdefender and sometime my computer crash. If anyone experience the same problem as mine with bidefender and can solve that plz tell me I like it P2P shield because I download through P2P a lot and sometime I forgot to scan downloaded file with panda even though it can auto scan when I open file but sometime it is a trouble when i accidently open those unscan file on my friend conputer who doesn't have internet connection and lazy to use an antivirus solution because they make computer a bit slower.
PS: I really hate norton they are too noisy and cause a lot of problem with P2P software.
Thanks all and very thanks who can help me solve my problem with bitdefender

A few comments. Used to use Norton and aside from being a resource hog, it took down computers several times when the update process failed. In several cases, the updater installed updates in the wrong sequence. Crash!

We tested several programs and ended up choosing AVG. In an office, it allows centralized updating. While it is not the top of the reviews, it has been reliable and effective and has not caused any trouble.

For those who find protection bogs down their computer - take a look at getting a bit more RAM. Its not safe to surf without it. I would also take a look at what you have running. Too many programs have unnecessary "quick start" features that basically leave them running all the time. If you tray is full of junk, browse the preferences of stuff you don't need running all the time and turn them off. Programs that are resource hogs may need to be run one at a time, like Outlook, until you are able to upgrade.

Bob asked as to why someone commented MS firewall was useless. Basically because it has no outbound protection. This is the key reason for having a software firewall with a hardware one. If you do get infected and are unaware of it, your system can be pumping out viruses to your friends/ clients, etc. We had a client turn off Zone Alarm because they were annoyed with all the prompts (rather than turning off prompts). Later that day, they accidentally distributed a virus to their entire membership. We watched it cross the country through most of the industry. Thats why you need outbound protection and thats why its included in the Vista firewall. Every other sw firewall I've ever used is 2 way.

I use AVG free at home, ZA free firewall, and MS Defender. With safe computing habits, thats been fine for me.

One of the issues with Norton is when you try to pull it, it leaves all sorts of entrails scattered about. You can uninstall the program itself, and the updater, etc. But it leaves registry entries and folders behind.

If you dig in the Symantec web site, you'll find manual uninstall instructions. Simply Google "Norton Uninstall" and you'll find they now have an uninstaller tool and a page with a long list of "Manual uninstallation documents for Symantec Client Security products". Finally.

I run my XP Pro machines with the Google toolbar, Netcraft toolbar and the Avast (Avast.com)free home edition AV and firewall. No problems whatsoever! I'm also running Mozilla Firefox with the above.